Would it be an option to have a new character:
- go through the first 10 or 15 levels
solo, whereby any assistance given will result in
no gain in xp (be it damage to target by another, being healed or buffed by another during battles, etc.)
- No grouping until level 7(?) and then only being allowed to group with (a) player(s) of the
same level or 1 level lower/ higher
and only when a quest advises to "bring some friends"!
- no trading with other players until level 15(?); any equipment needed will have to be bought from npc or crafted by themselves or looted. (This will prevent new players being
given stuff for free at low levels)
(Downside is having a level 0 mule may not be possible anymore, unless trading with an
alt only be made possible at all times)
- placing items for sale on consigner in New Trismus (
by all players!) for a fixed minimum price, giving new players the chance to be able to sell (crafted) items on a consigner and be able to earn some money too.
This "forces" the new player to learn game mechanics and would possibly encourage making use of the tutorial.
Also, restricting new players to the starter islands (or a token to leave there) would not really be needed, as the "restrictions" for new players are
level-bound, and they can only benefit themselves by working through the tutorial !
Just my 2 cents ....